Looking Beyond the SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array delivers massive local storage with fast Thunderbolt 3 transfers. If you are comparing sandisk professional g raid shuttle 8 bay thunderbolt alternatives, you might need different specs for your workflow. This array excels in raw capacity and direct-connection speed for single-workstation editing. It includes eight removable enterprise-class drives and supports multiple RAID levels for data flexibility. The built-in USB-C power delivery also simplifies desk setups for laptop users.
However, you may need network access, a smaller footprint, or lower cost. Some workflows require 10GbE networking instead of direct Thunderbolt connectivity. Others prioritize portability over the 32-pound weight of the SanDisk unit. We selected these alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original. You will find options with fewer bays for mobility, or NAS units for shared access. This list helps you match the hardware to your specific technical requirements without compromise.
How these alternatives differ
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
The G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle is a 4-bay unit, offering half the drive bays of the SanDisk 8-bay array. It weighs 16 pounds, which is half the weight of the 32-pound SanDisk model. This makes it significantly more portable for on-location shoots. However, you sacrifice total capacity, getting only 32TB compared to 160TB. It still uses Thunderbolt for high-speed transfers, suitable for 4K and 8K editing. If you need a lighter, smaller footprint and do not require massive local storage, this compact option is a practical alternative to the heavier, higher-capacity SanDisk drive.
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay NAS, matching the SanDisk drive in bay count but differing in connectivity. It uses 1GbE network connections rather than Thunderbolt. This unit includes 4GB of RAM and a quad-core processor, allowing it to serve files over a network. The SanDisk array is for direct-connection workstations, while this QNAP is for shared network access. You trade Thunderbolt speeds for network expandability and future 10GbE upgrades via PCIe cards. If your workflow involves multiple users or network sharing rather than single-workstation editing, this NAS provides a different storage architecture.
G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3
The G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle is another 4-bay Thunderbolt 3 drive. It offers 56TB of storage, which is less than the 160TB SanDisk array but more than the 32TB G-Technology model. It shares the same 16-pound weight and compact dimensions as the 32TB version. This makes it a portable option for mobile professionals who need more capacity than the smaller Shuttle but still prefer a lightweight design. It lacks the 8-bay density and massive 160TB capacity of the SanDisk drive. Choose this if you prioritize portability and Thunderbolt speed over maximum raw storage density.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor is an 8-bay NAS with dual 10GbE ports, offering high-speed network storage. It includes 8GB of RAM and an M.2 NVMe interface, providing faster network throughput than the SanDisk drive’s Thunderbolt connection if you have a compatible network. It weighs 13.7 pounds, lighter than the SanDisk array. This unit is designed for users with existing 10GbE infrastructure who need reliable, high-throughput storage management. You give up direct Thunderbolt connectivity for superior network performance. If your workflow relies on fast network transfers and you have the infrastructure, this NAS is a strong alternative to the direct-connection SanDisk array.
Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
The Synology RS1221+ is an 8-bay short-depth rackmount NAS. It matches the SanDisk drive in bay count but is designed for rack mounting rather than desktop use. It includes 4GB of RAM and requires you to add your own storage and network cards. This unit suits IT teams needing a compact, high-speed rack solution. You trade the SanDisk’s pre-configured Thunderbolt connectivity for a modular, rack-mounted form factor. It is ideal if you need a short-depth design and can manage your own hardware upgrades. This option is better for server rooms or data centers than for portable or desktop editing workflows.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
The Synology DS1823xs+ is an 8-bay expandable NAS with 8GB of RAM. It offers robust capacity for scalable enterprise storage, similar in bay count to the SanDisk array. It weighs 16.5 pounds, lighter than the 32-pound SanDisk drive. This unit supports hot-swappable drives and room for future expansion units. It is designed for users needing reliability and scalability in an enterprise environment. You give up Thunderbolt direct connection for network-based storage and expansion capabilities. If your priority is enterprise-grade reliability and the ability to expand storage later, this NAS is a practical alternative to the fixed-capacity SanDisk array.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array
Best for: High-capacity Thunderbolt storage for video editing
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Included Storage
- 160TB
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 14 × 13 × 21 inches
- Weight
- 32 pounds
View on Amazon: SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array Affiliate link
This 8-bay Thunderbolt 3 array delivers 160TB of storage using eight removable Ultrastar drives. It offers read speeds up to 1900MB/s and supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD. The unit includes dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining and 85W USB-C power delivery. It weighs 32 pounds and measures 13 by 14 by 21 inches. You need this for high-capacity, high-speed on-location or studio workflows.
Pros
- 160TB total capacity with removable enterprise drives
- Thunderbolt 3 speeds up to 1900MB/s read
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD
- 85W USB-C power delivery for laptops
Cons
- Heavy 32-pound build limits portability
- No network connectivity for shared access
- Large footprint requires significant desk space
Good fit if
- You edit multi-stream 4K or 8K video
- You need massive local storage for a single workstation
- You require Thunderbolt 3 daisy-chaining capabilities
Skip if
- You need a network-attached storage solution
- You require a lightweight transportable drive
- You want to share files across multiple users
Verdict: SanDisk G-RAID Shuttle 8-Bay 160TB fits video professionals needing fast, massive local storage. It suits single-workstation editing where Thunderbolt speed and capacity matter more than network sharing.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
Best for: portable 4K/8K video production workflows
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 32TB
- RAID Support
- 0, 1, 5, 10
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches
- Weight
- 16 pounds
View on Amazon: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Affiliate link
This transportable 4-bay RAID array offers 32TB of storage via Thunderbolt. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for data redundancy or speed. The black enclosure weighs 16 pounds and measures 6.85 by 9.75 by 10.5 inches. It is optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows. You get a 5-year limited warranty with this drive.
Pros
- 32TB storage capacity
- Thunderbolt interface
- Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support
- Transportable design
Cons
- Only 4 drive bays
- 32TB capacity is lower than 8-bay alternatives
- No mention of network connectivity
Good fit if
- You need portable storage for on-location shoots
- You require Thunderbolt connectivity for fast transfers
- You want hardware RAID protection
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays
- You require network attached storage (NAS) features
- You need capacities larger than 32TB
Verdict: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 fits editors who prioritize portability and Thunderbolt speeds over high density. It is not suitable for users needing network access or larger 8-bay configurations.
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: expanding storage with future 10GbE upgrades
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay NAS featuring an AMD R-Series quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes four 1GbE ports and two PCIe slots for optional 10GbE upgrades. Dual M.2 slots support SSD caching. This unit suits users needing scalable storage with virtualization and container app support. It offers a balance of expandability and core processing power for home or small office networks.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity for 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives plus two M.2 slots
- AMD R-Series quad-core 2.134 GHz processor
- Four 1GbE LAN ports with optional 10GbE expansion via PCIe
- Dual PCIe Gen3 x4 slots for hardware acceleration or network upgrades
Cons
- Base 4GB RAM is lower than many 8-bay competitors
- Standard 1GbE ports limit network speed without add-on cards
- Larger physical footprint at 11 inches deep
Good fit if
- You need extensive drive bays for large media libraries
- You plan to add 10GbE network cards later
- You want to run virtual machines or containers
Skip if
- You require 10GbE connectivity out of the box
- You need more than 4GB of RAM pre-installed
- You prefer a compact desktop footprint under 10 inches
Verdict: The QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize expandability and raw storage capacity over high-speed networking. It is a solid choice for those willing to add PCIe cards for faster connections.
G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3
Best for: Mobile 4K and 8K video editing workflows
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 56TB
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches
View on Amazon: G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 Affiliate link
This transportable 4-bay enclosure offers 56TB of storage for demanding workflows. It uses Thunderbolt 3 for connectivity and sustains transfer rates up to 1000MB/s. The unit includes an ev Bay Adapter accessory. It is optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K video editing. You should choose this if you need high capacity in a portable form factor for professional media production.
Pros
- 56TB total storage capacity
- Sustained transfer rates up to 1000MB/s
- Optimized for 4K and 8K workflows
- Includes ev Bay Adapter accessory
Cons
- Only 4 drive bays compared to 8-bay competitors
- No built-in network interface for NAS functionality
- Larger physical footprint than smaller enclosures
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity local storage for video editing
- You require Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for fast transfers
- You prefer a transportable drive array
Skip if
- You need an 8-bay storage solution
- You require network-attached storage capabilities
- You want a rack-mountable unit
Verdict: G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle 4-Bay provides substantial local storage for mobile professionals. It suits video editors who need Thunderbolt speed and do not require network connectivity or higher bay counts.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing high-speed 10GbE network storage
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T is an 8-bay NAS built for high-speed data transfers. It features a quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. The standout specs are the dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports, offering up to 20Gbps with link aggregation. This setup suits users who need fast network connectivity and robust processing power for large file management.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE interfaces for up to 20Gbps throughput
- Quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved performance
- Two 2.5GbE interfaces with link aggregation support
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for direct high-speed device linking
- Requires separate purchase of hard drives
- Lacks built-in UPS protection
Good fit if
- You need dedicated 10GbE network speeds for large files
- You want a robust quad-core processor for heavy workloads
- You prefer flexible network options with 2.5GbE ports
Skip if
- You require Thunderbolt 3 for direct storage connectivity
- You need a pre-loaded drive solution
- You are looking for a budget-friendly entry-level NAS
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8 10GbE NAS delivers strong network performance for professionals who prioritize speed and processing power over Thunderbolt connectivity. It is ideal for users who already have a 10GbE network infrastructure and need reliable, high-throughput storage management.
Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: Compact 8-bay rackmount storage
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches
View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The Synology RS1221+ is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for multi-user environments. It includes 4GB of RAM and delivers up to 2,315 MB/s read speeds. The unit features a short depth of 298 mm, fitting tight rack spaces. You can enhance network performance by adding a PCIe SFP+ or RJ-45 card. It also supports Synology High Availability clustering for service uptime.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity for high storage density
- 4GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
- Read speeds up to 2,315 MB/s
- Short depth of 298 mm
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included drives
- Base model lacks redundant power supply
- Requires separate PCIe cards for 10GbE
Good fit if
- You need a short-depth rackmount NAS
- You require high read performance for teams
- You plan to build a redundant cluster
Skip if
- You want a Thunderbolt 3 connection
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You require built-in 10GbE networking
Verdict: The Synology RS1221+ 8-Bay NAS suits IT teams needing a compact, high-speed rack solution. It fits users who prioritize short-depth form factors and can add their own storage and network cards.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
Best for: expanding enterprise storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches
- Weight
- 16.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Affiliate link
This is an 8-bay network storage enclosure designed for enterprise environments. It includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM to handle demanding workloads. The unit is diskless, meaning you must supply your own hard drives. It supports hot-swappable drives for easy maintenance and allows expansion by attaching up to two Synology DX517 units. This setup maximizes uptime and provides flexible storage scaling.
Pros
- 8 drive bays for high capacity
- 8GB DDR4 RAM included
- Supports up to 18 bays via expansion units
- Hot-swappable drive design
Cons
- Sold diskless with no drives included
- Large physical footprint at 18.1 inches wide
- Heavy build at 16.5 pounds
Good fit if
- You need expandable storage beyond 8 bays
- You want hot-swappable drive reliability
- You already own compatible hard drives
Skip if
- You need a pre-loaded storage solution
- You require Thunderbolt connectivity
- You have limited rack or desk space
Verdict: Synology DS1823xs+ 8-Bay NAS offers robust 8-bay capacity and 8GB RAM for scalable enterprise storage. It fits users who need hot-swappable reliability and room for future expansion units.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array | G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 6 Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay | 8 Bay | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | not stated | 4x GbE LAN | not stated | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | not stated | not stated |
| Processor | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Intel Atom C3538 | not stated | not stated |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | not stated | 4GB DDR4 | not stated | 8GB DDR4 | not stated | not stated |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | not stated | 2 slots | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | 160TB | 32TB | not stated | 56TB | not stated | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD | 0, 1, 5, 10 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Hardware Interface | Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt | not stated | Thunderbolt | M.2 NVMe | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 14 × 13 × 21 inches | 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches | 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches | 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches |
| Weight | 32 pounds | 16 pounds | 12.3 pounds | not stated | 13.7 pounds | not stated | 16.5 pounds |
| Size | 160TB | 32TB | 4GB RAM | 56TB | 8 Bay | RS1221+ | DS1823xs+ |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | not stated | Lockerstor | Black | Black |
| Model | G-RAID Shuttle 8 | 0G10077 | TS-673-4G-US | 0G10401 | AS6508T | RS1221+ | DS1823xs+ |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Thunderbolt alternative with less than 8 bays?
Yes, G-Technology offers two 4-bay Thunderbolt options. The 32TB G-Speed Shuttle weighs 16 pounds and measures 6.85 by 10.5 by 9.75 inches. The 56TB G-Speed Shuttle shares those exact dimensions. Both suit mobile workflows where portability matters more than maximum drive density.
Which alternative supports 10GbE networking instead of Thunderbolt?
The Asustor Lockerstor AS6508T provides dual 10GbE ports. It features an 8-bay design with 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. It uses M.2 NVMe interfaces for cache. This model fits users who already have a 10GbE network infrastructure and need high-throughput storage management.
Can I find an 8-bay NAS with more than 4GB of RAM?
The Asustor Lockerstor AS6508T includes 8GB of RAM. The Synology DS1823xs+ also comes with 8GB of RAM. The QNAP TS-673-4G and Synology RS1221+ both ship with 4GB. You can upgrade RAM on many models to improve performance for virtual machines or heavy file sharing.
Which option is best for rackmount installation?
The Synology RS1221+ is a short-depth rackmount NAS. It measures 16.5 by 8.5 by 23 inches and holds 8 drives. It includes 4GB of RAM. This form factor suits IT teams needing compact, high-speed rack solutions that fit standard server cabinets without taking up excessive depth.
Does any alternative offer hot-swappable drive reliability?
The Synology DS1823xs+ is designed for hot-swappable reliability. It provides 8GB of RAM and an 8-bay configuration. The unit weighs 16.5 pounds and measures 18.1 by 12.6 by 14.6 inches. It fits users who need scalable enterprise storage with room for future expansion units.
Which NAS allows for future 10GbE upgrades via PCIe?
The QNAP TS-673-4G supports PCIe card upgrades. It comes with a quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. The unit currently offers 1GbE connectivity. You can add faster network cards later. This fits users who prioritize raw storage capacity and expandability over immediate high-speed networking.
What is the weight difference between the SanDisk array and G-Technology shuttles?
The SanDisk array weighs 32 pounds. The G-Technology 32TB and 56TB shuttles both weigh 16 pounds. This makes the G-Technology units half the weight. They are significantly easier to transport for on-location video production workflows compared to the heavier 8-bay SanDisk Thunderbolt array.
Which model is best for users needing M.2 NVMe support?
The Asustor Lockerstor AS6508T features M.2 NVMe interfaces. It includes 8GB of RAM and an 8-bay drive configuration. The unit weighs 13.7 pounds. This setup is ideal for professionals who need fast cache performance alongside high-capacity storage for demanding media editing tasks.